I'm a shopping researcher & here are 50 of the coolest most-wished for products this year

The neatnik in your life will appreciate this cleaning paste that makes chore day a heck of a lot easier (after all, they don’t call it a “miracle cleaning paste” for nothing). This versatile, heavy-duty paste can clean anything from the greasy saucepan in your kitchen to your bathroom tile to the grill. It’s made from natural ingredients and is safe for use on all tile, ceramic, glass, and wood surfaces.

Made from heavy-duty stainless steel that’s long-lasting and won’t warp or wear in the dishwasher, these measuring spoons are equipped with magnets so that they stay together in a set for easy retrieval and organization. Dual-sided, there are seven spoons in all with both US and metric measurements and a round end and plus an oval end that fits into narrow-mouthed bottles and jars.

• Available colors: 6

Prepare your friends and family for cold and flu season with this thermometer that provides no-touch digital temperature readings in just one second. The touchless forehead thermometer collects more than 100 data points to ensure accuracy, and the extra-large LED display makes viewing the readings an easy affair.

This eye pencil is a real workhorse that can be used as an eyeliner, creamy eyeshadow, or — if you opt for a lighter shade — a highlighter that’ll make eyes pop. This fun pick comes in a whole crayon box’s worth of colors, so you can keep it understated with neutrals like chocolate brown and black, or make a splash with colors like coral, lilac, and cobalt blue.

• Available colors: 23

Perfect for candle lovers or anyone who loves cooking out or camping, this electronic lighter is a smart but practical gift. The rechargeable lighter doesn’t require butane (so no refills), and it’s both wind- and water-resistant, so it’s easy to use even when the weather acts up. It provides an hour of use on one charge and comes with its own USB cord.

Give the gift of relaxation with these shower steamers that dissolve in the water to turn an average shower into a scented experience of relaxation and invigoration. These aromatherapy tablets get their enticing smells from a variety of essential oils, like lavender, sweet orange, peppermint, and eucalyptus.

With ultra-fine points that make them great for detail work (and even writing), these markers are on the lists of artistic types everywhere. Perfect for illustrating, stenciling, and more, the vibrant, water-based ink won’t smear or bleed through paper. Boasting a 4.7-star overall rating after 70,000 reviews, the pack comes with 18 shades.

For movie nights or mood lighting, these bias strip lights adhere to the back of your computer or television and can change between one of 15 different color options. These are USB-powered LED lights and can be adjusted with a remote, so you can turn up or down the brightness, switch colors, or even use the fade mode.

Boasting a 4.6-star overall rating after 65,000 Amazon reviews, this Bluetooth speaker comes in fun colors like lavender, red, and yellow, as well as basic black. The waterproof speaker provides 20 hours of play before needing to be recharged, and the 12-watt drivers deliver enhanced bass. Reviewers have reported that the sound quality is “crisp” and “beyond superb.”

If you’re sneaking downstairs for a midnight snack, navigate safely through the kitchen with these puck lights. When you buy, you’ll receive a remote that lets you adjust their brightness and turn them on or off. You can also set a timer that shuts them off automatically after 15, 30, 60, or 120 minutes.

This smart plug works in concert with Alexa, so you can voice control a device, appliance, or lamp using the sound of your voice. You can also skip Alexa altogether, and use a phone app to set schedules and operate the outlet remotely. With an impressive 4.7-star overall rating after 460,000 reviews, this is the perfect gift for someone who needs a little more convenience in their life.

At a fraction of the price of the name-brand version, this Dutch oven from Amazon is a real steal, yet it comes with a stellar 4.7-star overall rating. Not only does it look good enough to display on the stove at all times, but it’s also so functional; I love getting mine out in the winter months to make hearty soups and stews, and it cleans up like a charm.

• Available sizes: 4.3-quart, 6-quart, 7.3-quart
• Available colors: 12

Frequent travelers will love this hanging toiletry bag since it has a convenient hook that allows you to hang it on a doorknob or shower rod. Available in colors like black, teal, and baby pink, the bag features four individual compartments to organize beauty supplies as well as jewelry, and the clear pockets give the user a clear view of what’s inside.

• Available colors: 6

So soft and fluffy underfoot, this area rug is the perfect complement to any room, making it instantly cozy while adding some texture. The rug features a non-skid backing, so it stays in place, and the 1.7-inch fibers give it an ultra-high pile. Available in three sizes and 15 colors, it’s easy to find one that fits your space.

• Available sizes: 3
• Available colors: 15

For someone who needs a little self care in their life, this facial roller and gua sha set is an attractive and useful gift. Made from real rose quartz, the dual-ended roller and gua sha tool can be used on different areas of the face to stimulate collagen production, promote circulation, and reduce swelling. Both tools can be refrigerated for additional de-puffing benefits.

Indisputably luxurious, this 100% mulberry silk pillowcase is heaven to sleep on and stays cool all night long. Not only that, but the smooth texture eliminates friction on the skin and hair, which means no face creases or hair breakage. Available in 20 colors, the pillowcase can be machine-washed on delicate.

• Available sizes: standard, queen, king
• Available colors: 20

From Bed Head comes this hair waver that features a uniquely shaped barrel that gives you beachy waves without having to go to the beach. Ceramic tourmaline technology keeps strands smooth and frizz-free, and the 30 heat settings let you tailor the temperature to your hair type. The cord swivels 360 degrees for ease of use, and the waver automatically shuts off for safety.

• Available colors: 2

Made from soft chenille with a subtle herringbone pattern, this throw blanket is an ideal gift for your favorite movie marathoner (or just the person in your life who always runs cold). Drape over a chair or a couch as an accent — it’s available in six understated colors, so you’re sure to find one that coordinates with any decor. Plus, it’s machine-washable for easy care.

• Available colors: 6

With a stainless steel whisk that creates café-quality foam for all kinds of coffee drinks, this milk frother turns anyone into a barista. The cordless, handheld frother is also super versatile; it’s the ideal tool to make whipped cream to top off hot cocoa or desserts, and it can even be used on your bar cart for frothy adult beverages.

One of those things that people seldom buy for themselves, this makeup brush set is an amazing gift for the beauty aficionado on your list, and it’s earned a 4.6-star overall rating after 80,000 reviews. This full-featured set has a brush for every task imaginable, from applying to contouring to blending, and reviewers are pleased that the soft but dense bristles don’t shed.

Ever seen a baby wrapped up in a swaddling blanket and thought that he or she looked like a little burrito? Well, now any adult can have a take on that comforting snuggle — but with a nudge and a wink — thanks to this blanket that looks just like a tortilla. Made from super cozy flannel, it keeps the wearer warm, and also comes in pizza and waffle options.

• Available styles: 6

Formulated with sweet almond oil and vitamin E, this cuticle oil deeply nourishes cuticles and nails to help prevent cracking, chipping, and peeling. This formula is a reviewer favorite not only for the results it delivers, but also for its natural ingredients, light scent, and the fact that — unlike its competitors — it leaves no residue behind.

Beauty and skin-care enthusiasts will love this trifold makeup mirror, and for good reason; not only do the 21 brightness-adjustable LEDs provide plenty of illumination while applying makeup, but one panel even offers both 2x and 3x magnification for detail work. This mirror swivels 180 degrees for added functionality, and can be operated cordlessly via battery power.

Give the gift of comfort to someone who sits in front of a computer all day with this memory foam seat cushion. Also perfect for anyone with a long commute, this seat cushion is ergonomically contoured for optimal support and incorporates a gel layer to prevent overheating. It’s encased in a zippered velour cover that’s machine-washable for easy upkeep.

• Available colors: 2

From the design gurus at Joseph Joseph comes this set of five nesting food storage containers that take up minimal space in a cabinet or kitchen drawer. Just as clever, the snap closures on each container are color-coded, so you can find the matching lid — in other words, post-dinner cleanup just got a lot faster and more convenient.

With an attractive faux wood finish, this essential oil diffuser fits in with any decor and comes with 10 essential oils, like lavender, cedar, and eucalyptus, so you can tailor an aromatherapy session to your mood. The diffuser has one-, three-, and six-hour timers, and automatically shuts off for safety once the water runs out.

• Available colors: 7

The snack enthusiast in your life will love this popcorn popper that pops kernels in the microwave without oil. Made from heat-resistant silicone, it has convenient built-in handles and a design that ensures heat is distributed evenly so that every kernel is popped. Available in 12 bright colors, this popper’s large bowl holds up to 15 cups of popcorn. And if you’re worried about storage space, it has a collapsible design that allows for compact storage.

• Available sizes: 1
• Available colors: 12

With dual speeds for gentle cleansing as well as thorough exfoliation, this Olay facial cleansing brush was designed by a dermatologist for optimal performance. And it’s even more versatile — use the brush before applying serums and moisturizers for maximum absorption. It’s battery-operated and comes with two soft-bristle brush heads.

With a warm amber glow, this book light is 99.94% free of blue-spectrum light, so it’s easier on your eyes and won’t interfere with your circadian rhythm. The rechargeable, brightness-adjustable light has a flexible gooseneck that lets you aim the beam where you want it, and the nonslip clip means it stays firmly in place.

The Fire 7 Tablet from Amazon is like having a library, a newsstand, and movie theater, all condensed into a device that weights just 10 ounces. The 7-inch tablet can be operated hands-free with Alexa, and front- and rear-facing cameras let you video snap photos and videos. This version of the device has a lightning-fast processor and — with improved energy efficiency — offers up to seven hours of battery life on a full charge.

With a modern design that’s almost sculptural in appearance, this corner shelf not only provides a place for pictures, plants, and other display items, but also lends a unique touch of decor to any space. Suitable for use in any room in the house, the shelves are made from heavy-duty laminate and can hold up to 11 pounds each.

• Available colors: 8

Give the gift of spa-quality facial right at home with this steamer that features an ultrasonic vaporizor to deliver nano-particles of steam that more efficiently penetrate pores. Also a great way to soothe sinuses, the steamer can run continuously for up to 30 minutes, and comes with a set of stainless steel facialist tools to complete the experience.

If you know someone with a tiny kitchen or RV, this cold brew coffee maker is the ideal gift. Easily steep your coffee beans in the central column overnight and you’ll have strong and tasty cold brew ready in the morning. This pitcher fits 47 ounces of coffee, so you’ll have enough cups for multiple people or a second cup of joe.

The clever design of this clip-on strainer means you can drain pasta, potatoes, and vegetables with both hands. Made from BPA-free silicone, it’s heat-resistant and compatible with pots, pans, and even lipped bowls of all sizes. It’s dishwasher-safe and collapses for storage.

Set up a laptop or a tablet on this lap desk, and see how much nicer it is to plow through a pile of emails (or just watch movies). Designed to hold laptops up to 15.6 inches, it features an integrated mouse pad and phone holder, as well as dual cushions that go easy on your legs.

• Available colors: 6

This silicone utensil rest keeps food and drinks from dripping all over your countertops. Their food grade material is safe to use around high heat, and its nonslip base ensures it won't budge. Use it instead of paper towels, and every roll will last that much longer.

Featuring gorgeous natural acacia wood handles, this kitchen utensil set has a rustic-modern look, and it’s ultra-functional, thanks to the nonstick silicone heads that are heat-resistant up to 464 degrees Fahrenheit. The set includes a spoon, a slotted spoon, a spatula, a spoonula, and a turner.

• Available colors: 4

With a subtle yet invigorating blend of rosemary, lavender, and peppermint, this face and body scrub will do just what it promises to — make you a morning person. Made with a blend of moisturizing soybean oil and sugar, the exfoliating formula softens skin and replenishes hydration. “Leaves your skin feeling and smelling amazing!” one reviewer raved.

With a large reservoir and five interchangeable stainless steel blades that do everything from dice to slice to julienne, this food chopper will cut food prep time down to a minimum. The container holds up to almost 3 cups of food, which means you can make an entire batch of homemade salsa without having to transfer ingredients. It’s durable, BPA-free, and dishwasher-safe.

Hear me out: A set of quality towels is an absolute home game-changer, and can turn a standard bathroom into a luxe spa experience. This set of towels are best-sellers because it is made with a soft Turkish cotton excellent at absorbing water. One reviewer says, “This was exactly what I was looking for. Not too thick and not too thin. Feels soft but not so soft it won’t absorb water…you won’t regret getting this towel… I am super happy with this purchase!”

Got a skin-care aficionado in your life? Gift them with this matcha face mask that calms and refreshes the face while making skin radiant. It’s formulated with real matcha green tea, aloe, and glacier water — and it smells amazing. You can also opt for other formulations, like a brightening berry mask and a hydrating birthday cake mask.

Useful for cans of soup, soda, and much more, this organizer can create so much additional space in the pantry or any cabinet. The three-tier organizer can store up to 36 cans or jars, and is equipped with dividers to keep the rows straight. It assembles in minutes and comes in four different finishes.

• Available colors: 4

A great addition to any room in the house, these light-up letters come in every letter of the alphabet, so you can opt to display a single initial or spell out an entire message. The letters are equpped with LEDs, and you can toggle between 16 colors and four different lighting modes, all with the included remote. Hang them on the wall or simply set them on a counter or bookshelf.

• Available selections: 26

This fan favorite hairbrush has racked up a pretty astonishing 82,000 reviews, over half of which are five stars. It gently detangles hair without pulling or tugging for a painless morning routine. With its flexible bristles and ergonomic shape, it’s a must-have for any beauty arsenal.

Known for their waterproof ink and vivid colors, these Sharpies come in a collection of 24 brilliant hues designed to satiate anyone’s desire for a complete selection of all the shades. This collection is great for artists, crafters, and hobbyists, but it’s also useful for all kinds of applications around the house, including marking leftovers or prepping packages.

They’ll never lose their keys again when you gift them this smart tracker. Engineered to work via Bluetooth, this device can be attached to your keys, and whenever you lose them, you can open the Tile app to ring the tracker. It works in reverse to ring your phone as well, making this a great gift for anyone who tends to lose small items.

Instead of dropping half your paycheck on pedicures, try this foot peel mask. All you have to do is slide your feet into the foot mask socks and let them sit for an hour — within a week, you'll start to notice softer, smoother skin. It’s made with a botanical blend of fruit acids and extracts for a little help from Mother Nature.

First popular in the 1980s, these claw hair clips have made a style resurgence and are a popular gift for all the fashionistas out there. Ultra-durable, these jumbo-sized clips are available in single-color and multicolor packs, and are perfect for lazy days when you want your hair out of the way (in the cutest way possible).

• Available colors: 10

When you start using this snail mucin repair cream, don’t be surprised if loved ones start noticing your glow. It’s full of skin care superheroes like vitamin E, organic green tea, and (of course) a high concentration of snail mucin. No matter your skin type, it’s formulated to work with all complexions, from oily to sensitive and everything in between.

Keep all your smart devices powered up and easy to find with this charging station that has space for up to six phones and tablets. Compatible with many Apple and Android devices, it has over-charge protection and features LED lights that show when each device is charging and when it’s fully powered up. This is the perfect gift for anyone who could benefit from a less cluttered nightstand or desk.